A Social Network Sequel Is Finally Happening, But There's One Big Problem

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A sequel to David Fincher's critically acclaimed 2010 film "The Social Network" is in the works, but I must confess, there’s an undeniable concern looming over this announcement.

According to an exclusive report by Deadline, Aaron Sorkin—whose Oscar-winning script for the original film remains a masterclass in dialogue—is set to direct what is currently titled "The Social Network II." Journalist Justin Kroll noted that this new project isn't so much a traditional sequel as it is a follow-up exploring the evolution of Facebook into the global phenomenon we know today. Yet, even with such intriguing subject matter, one cannot help but feel uneasy about the absence of key figures who brought the first film to life.

Sure, the controversies surrounding Facebook and its parent company Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg (so memorably portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg in the original), are undeniably fascinating. However, without Fincher at the helm—and likely without Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, or Dakota Johnson reprising their roles—the authenticity and emotional resonance of the original seem destined to fade. For good measure, let us hope Armie Hammer, whose portrayal of the Winklevoss twins added both humor and pathos to the story, stays respectfully absent from this chapter.

"The Social Network," adapted by Sorkin from Ben Mezrich’s book "The Accidental Billionaires," was more than just a biographical drama; it was a searing examination of ambition, betrayal, and the birth of modern connectivity. It succeeded not merely because of Sorkin’s razor-sharp script but also due to Fincher’s meticulous direction, which elevated every scene with precision and tension. Without those elements, can this sequel truly capture lightning in a bottle again?

Sequels devoid of the essence of their predecessors often falter, yet Sorkin’s stated intent does spark curiosity. Recent revelations have painted Facebook as a pivotal player in U.S. elections—from allegations of Russian interference in 2016 to evidence suggesting the platform facilitated planning for the January 6 Capitol insurrection. These narratives offer fertile ground for exploration, particularly if Sorkin chooses to focus on these darker chapters of Facebook's history. But will his directorial vision rise to the occasion?

History suggests caution. When left solely to his own devices, Sorkin’s films sometimes veer toward excess. Consider "The Trial of the Chicago 7" or "Being the Ricardos," both lauded for their performances but criticized for bloated pacing and overly ambitious storytelling. While they earned accolades, neither approached the heights—or even the depths—of Fincher’s cinematic legacy.

Fincher’s genius lies in his unyielding attention to detail. During auditions for "Mindhunter," actors were instructed to deliver lines in a flat tone, allowing Fincher to shape raw material into something extraordinary. This methodical approach transformed "The Social Network" into a taut psychological thriller centered around lawsuits and code—a testament to his ability to extract maximum tension from seemingly mundane subjects. Moreover, Fincher’s discipline tempered Sorkin’s penchant for grandiloquence, ensuring the final product remained grounded and powerful.

Without Fincher to guide Sorkin’s creative instincts, the sequel risks losing the very qualities that made the original so unforgettable. Can Sorkin strike the right balance alone? Only time will tell.

If you wish to revisit the brilliance of "The Social Network," it is available to